Looking for Perforated Sheetmetal

[JESSE_at_TLT]

I'm looking for some perforated (steel) sheetmetal to finish up the utility-bed in our LT Tacoma and I'd like to use something a little nicer than the diamond-shaped expanded sheetmetal (like what metal staircases are made out of). Also wondering what thickness material I should use to have a floor that is thick enough to carry a decent load, but not any heavier than necessary. Click the Link (http://www.trailslesstraveled.com/viewarticle.php?id=51) to see how it will be supported and where it will be used (replacing the aluminum panels). Any input is appreciated.

[mattrick8888]

i am just curious but why do you want to replace the alum? i was planning on doing the same in the near future, are you not happy with it? i was actually thinking of going with the perferated stuff because the alum is so expensive! check out http://www.mcmaster.com/ they have a ton of stuff to choose from.

[ntsqd]

We needed less than a 12" x 12" piece of perforated stainless for a work project. It was cheaper to buy a piece of stainless in the right gauge and have our local full service machine shop (Rincon Engineering in Carpinteria) punch the holes. For what ever reason perforated sheet is unreasonably spendy.

[JESSE_at_TLT]

The aluminum we used was always meant to be temporary. It's just too light (thin) to support much weight. They also rattled and made a lot of noise, but we only installed as many rivets as it took to hold them in place. I guess I'm just thinking that I can integrate (weld) some type of perforated/expanded/mesh steel in there easier than making aluminum panels fit well.

[ntsqd]

With some relayively small girders underneath it could be strong enough. The spans aren't so great that some 1/2" x 1" or 3/4" x 2" thin walled tube on edge wouldn't be up to the task. I would suggest doing the same thing for a steel deck.

I would look into structural adhesives (not likkid nales or JB Weld!) to address the noise problem. Look at Miller-Stephenson's 907 (http://www.miller-stephenson.com/aero_003.htm) adhesive for one suggestion. I used it to build a semi-monocoque bicycle trailer and it worked well. Lay down a stripe of the adhesive on top of the tubes and then lay the panels down on top. Then rivet the panels in place.

Aluminum cuts easier than steel and you're going to have to fit either.

[Jerry Zaiden]

This is the best place we have found.

Perferated metal 323 231 4179

[JESSE_at_TLT]

Thanks for the links and the feedback ntsqd & Jerry.
Regarding aluminum vs. steel:
I just figured that any potential weight savings would be offset by the extra thickness and making mounting tabs for aluminum panels seemed like more work than just welding steel panels into place. Adhesive is a great idea. I might have to re-think this.